begonia are cranky perennials , grown for their colorful efflorescence and foliage . Most begonia can be grown outdoors in commode , in the ground , or in hanging baskets in filter light and moist , but well drained soil . Where not hardy , grow as annuals or indoors as houseplants . Most begonias can be propagated from leaf , stem or rootstock newspaper clipping in addition to being sown from seed . The cultivar , ‘ James ’ grows from a creeping rootstalk . The foliage is very attractive , featuring medium - sized , smooth , lobed leaves . The flower are pinkish and bloom March through April . This plant enjoys filter light source but can take some sun in wintertime . Soil should ideally be moist . begonia grow very well in peat - establish compost also . like humidness . Hardy . Does not care cold weather . Pinching tips and pruning outer stems in the growing season gives a bushy plant , good for flow basket . take dead foliage to prevent disease .
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Characteristics
Requirements
Plant Care
Fertilizing
Light
You will notice that sun and wraith patterns change during the daylight . The westerly side of a house may even be suspect due to shadows project by declamatory trees or a social organisation from an adjacent attribute . If you have just bought a new home or just start to garden in your honest-to-god home , take time to map sun and shade throughout the day . You will get a more accurate look for your site ’s true light conditions . condition : permeate LightFor many works that prefer partially shady condition , separate out lightis ideal . Good planting sites are under a mid to big sized tree that lets some light through their leg or beneath tall plants that will provide some protection . Conditions : wet - make out HouseplantsHouseplants that require ample water , or those labeled asmoisture - make love houseplantsrequire that they be water soundly until the soil is saturated and then debilitate freely from holes in the bottom of pot . Re - water when potting soil becomes dry to the touch an column inch or so below the soil control surface . status : Partial Sun , Partial ShadePart sunorpart shadeplants prefer light that is filtered . Sunlight , though not direct , is authoritative to them . Often morning sun , because it is not as strong as good afternoon sun , can be weigh part sun or part shade . If you go in an orbit that does not get much intense sunshine , such as the Pacific Northwest , a full sun vulnerability may be fine . In other areas such as Florida , works in a location where good afternoon tint will be received . Conditions : Types of PruningTypes of pruning include : pinching , thinning , shearing and restore .
Pinching is removing the stem tips of a vernal flora to advance branching . Doing this obviate the motivation for more stark pruning later on .
Thinning involves removing whole branches back to the trunk . This may be done to open up the interior of a plant to let more light in and to increase air circulation that can cut down on plant disease . The best way to begin thinning is to begin by removing numb or pathological wood .
Shearing is leveling the surface of a shrub using hand or electric shear . This is done to maintain the desired shape of a hedge or topiary .
rejuvenate is removal of old branch or the overall simplification of the size of it of a shrub to regenerate its original configuration and size of it . It is commend that you do not remove more than one third of a plant at a clip . think of to remove branch from the inside of the flora as well as the outside . When rejuvenating plants with cane , such as nandina , contract back cane at various heights so that plant will have a more natural smell . Conditions : brilliant Light for HouseplantsHouseplants requiringbright lightshould be placed within 2 feet of an eastern or western photo window or within 2 to 5 feet of a southerly photo window . Conditions : Light and Plant SelectionFor unspoilt plant life performance , it is desirable to equal the correct plant with the uncommitted light conditions . correct industrial plant , right lieu ! Plants which do not obtain sufficient light may become pale in color , have few leaves and a " leggy " stretched - out appearance . Also wait plants to grow slow and have fewer efflorescence when light is less than desirable . It is possible to provide subsidiary lighting for indoor works with lamps . plant can also receive too much visible radiation . If a shadiness loving industrial plant is exposed to direct sun , it may wilt and/or cause leave to be burn or otherwise damage .
Watering
The key to watering is weewee deeply and less frequently . When watering , water well , i.e. provide enough pee to good saturate the root word ball . With in - ground plants , this means exhaustively gazump the soil until water has penetrated to a depth of 6 to 7 inch ( 1 ' being better ) . With container grown flora , give enough weewee to allow water to flux through the drainage mess .
seek to water works early in the Clarence Shepard Day Jr. or later in the afternoon to conserve water and edit out down on plant accent . Do water system early on enough so that piss has had a chance to dry from flora leaves prior to dark fall . This is paramount if you have had fungus problems .
Do n’t look to water until plant droop . Although some plant will recover from this , all plants will die if they wilt too much ( when they reach the lasting wilting point ) .
look at water preservation methods such as drip irrigation , mulching , and xeriscaping . dribble systems which slowly drip wet right away on the root organisation can be purchased at your local rest home and garden center . mulch can significantly chill the ancestor zone and keep up moisture .
Consider adding H2O - economize gels to the root zone which will obligate a backlog of urine for the plant . These can make a world of difference specially under nerve-wracking conditions . Be certain to come label directions for their manipulation .
Conditions : Normal Watering for Outdoor PlantsNormal wateringmeans that soil should be hold on equally moist and watered regularly , as conditions need . Most plants like 1 inch of urine a week during the growing time of year , but take care not to over pee . The first two year after a works is installed , regular lachrymation is important for ecesis . The first class is decisive . It is well to water once a week and water deeply , than to weewee frequently for a few minutes . condition : Indoor WateringPlant are composed of almost 90 % water so it authoritative to supply them with passable water supply . Proper watering is essential for good flora health . When there is not enough pee , roots will wither and the plant will wilt . When too much water system is hold too frequently , base are deprived of oxygen and disease occur such as root and shank rots .
The cay to lachrymation is frequency . body of water well then wait long enough until the industrial plant needs to be re - watered harmonise to its wet requirements .
When lachrymation , piddle well . That is , provide enough water to good impregnate the root testis . With containerized plants , utilise enough water to grant water to fall through the drainage holes .
Avoid using cold water especially with houseplants . This can outrage tender roots . Fill tearing can with tepid piss or allow moth-eaten water to sit for a while to do to room temperature before watering . This is a good fashion to allow any harmful chlorine in the water supply to evaporate before being used .
Some plants are best irrigate by sub - irrigation , i.e. tearing from the bottom up . This invalidate splashing water system on the leaves of sensitive plants . Simply put the pot in a shallow goat god filled with tepid urine and let the plant life sit for 15 minute to allow the root ball to be thoroughly wet . Take out and allow sufficient drainage .
Use an unpainted dowel to help you determine when to re - water large pots . gravel it into the soil testicle & wait 5 moment . The dowel will absorb moisture from the soil and rick a darker colour . Pull it out and probe . This will give you an idea of how wet the ground root ball is .
root need atomic number 8 to breath , do not allow plants to sit in a saucer make full with water . This will only promote disease .
Planting
A week to 10 day before planting , total 2 to 4 inch of senior manure or compost and work into the planting internet site to ameliorate fertility and increase water retention and drain . If stain composition is weak , a layer of topsoil should be considered as well . No matter if your soil is guts or mud , it can be meliorate by summate the same affair : organic topic . The more , the honorable ; work deep into the stain . get up bed to an 18 inch deep for perennials . This will seem like a fantastic amount of work now , but will greatly pay off later . Besides , this is not something that is easily done later , once works have been plant . How - to : Pinching and Thinning PerennialsOnce you found a perennial , it does not mean that you will savour years of maintenance - free gardening . Perennials need to be care for just like any other plant life . One thing that distinguishes perennials is that they tend to be active agriculturist that have to be thinned out occasionally or they will unloose energy .
As perennials establish , it is crucial to prune them back and thin them out now and then . This will prevent them from completely taking over an area to the exclusion of other plants , and also will increase line circulation thereby reducing the relative incidence of diseases like botrytis and powdery mold .
Many species also bloom abundantly and bring out plenteous seed . As blooms disappearance it is advisable to deadhead your plant ; that is , to withdraw spend bloom before they form ejaculate . This will forestall your works from seed all over the garden and will preserve the considerable energy it takes the plant to produce source .
As perennial mature , they may form a heavy root mass that eventually leads to a less vigorous plant . It is advisable to from time to time thin out a stand of such perennials . By dividing the root system , you may make new plants to implant in another area of the garden or give away . Also root pruning will cause new growth and rejuvenate the plant . Most perennials may be successfully divided in either bounce or fall . Do a little preparation ; some perennial do have a preference . How - to : Preparing ContainersContainersare fantabulous when used as an decorative feature , a planting option when there is little or no soil to set in , or for plant life that need a filth type not found in the garden or when dirt drainage in the garden is subscript . If maturate more than one plant in a container , ensure that all have similar ethnical requirements . Choose a container that is deep and large enough to allow theme growth and growth as well as proportional balance between the amply developed industrial plant and the container . Plant prominent containers in the place you intend them to stay . All containers should have drainage holes . A meshing screenland , break mud stack pieces(crock ) or a paper coffee filter placed over the hole will keep soil from washing out . The potting soil you select should be an appropriate mix for the plants you have choose . Quality soils ( or grease - less medias ) absorb moisture promptly and equally when cockeyed . If water run off soil upon initial passing water , this is an indicator that your soil may not be as safe as you think .
Prior to filling a container with dirt , wet pot soil in the pocketbook or place in a tub or wheelbarrow so that it is equally moist . occupy container about midway full or to a level that will provide plant , when plant , to be just below the rim of the pot . Rootballs should be level with soil line when project is arrant . Water well . How - to : Planting PerennialsDetermine appropriate perennial for your garden by see Sunday and shade through the day , vulnerability , water requirements , climate , grunge make-up , seasonal color desired , and position of other garden plant life and trees .
The near times to plant are spring and fall , when soil is workable and out of danger of frost . Fall planting have the reward that solution can develop and not have to compete with developing top growth as in the spring . Spring is more desirable for perennials that dislike wet term or for colder areas , allowing full establishment before first winter . Planting in summer or winter is not advisable for most works , unless plant a more established sized plant .
To constitute container - grown plants : machinate planting holes with appropriate deepness and space between . Water the plant good and allow the excess water drainage before carefully remove from the container . Carefully loosen the root ball and place the plant in the cakehole , working soil around the roots as you fill . If the plant is extremely origin bound , separate roots with fingers . A few snatch made with a scoop knife are okay , but should be observe to a lower limit . Continue fill in soil and water system thoroughly , protecting from lineal sunlight until stable .
To plant bare - root word plant : Plant as soon as possible after leverage . machinate suitable planting muddle , spread roots and forge soil among roots as you fill in . Water well and protect from direct sunshine until unchanging .
To plant seedling : A numeral of perennials bring on self - sown seedlings that can be transplanted . You may also start your own seedling bed for transplanting . Prepare worthy planting holes , spacing appropriately for plant developing . Gently vacate the seedling and as much ring soil as possible with your garden trowel , and replant it immediately , firming soil with fingertips and urine well . Shade from direct sun and water regularly until stable . How - to : Potting Indoor PlantsMake trusted that the plant you have chosen is suitable for the term you are able to bring home the bacon it : that it will have enough light , blank space , and a temperature it will care . Remember that the domain right next to a window will be cold than the rest of the room .
Indoor plants call for to be transplanted into a larger container periodically , or they become pot / antecedent - bound and their growth is retard . Water the plant well before starting , so the filth will bear the solution ball together when you remove it from the pot . If you have trouble getting the plant out of the Mary Jane , try running a blade around the edge of the potentiometer , and lightly whacking the sides to loosen the soil .
Always use fresh soil when transplanting your indoor plant . satisfy around the plant lightly with soil , being heedful not to pack too tightly – you need air to be able to get to the roots . After the flora is in the new skunk , do n’t fertilize decent away … this will encourage the roots to satiate in their raw home .
The sizing mint you choose is important too . Select one that is not more than about 1 in greater in diam . think , many plants prefer being jolly pot adhere . Always start with a sportsmanlike pot !
Problems
Rhizoctoniais a fungus that is found in most soils and enters the industrial plant through the roots or the stem at soil level . bar and Control : First of all , do not overwater and if you surmise Rhizoctonia may be your problem , minify watering . If a plant is too far gone ( all the leave from the bottom up are wilted ) , remove it . If your flora is in a container , cast out the filth too . Wash the mass with a 1 part whitener to 9 persona water solution . Fungicides can be used , according to recording label management . Consult a professional for a legal recommendation of what fungicide to apply . Pest : ThripsThripsare lowly , winged insects that attack many types of plants and thrive in hot , ironic condition ( like heated houses ) . They can manifold rapidly as a female can lay up to 300 eggs in a life pair of 45 day without mating . Most of the damage to plant is due to the young larvae which feed on tender leaf and bloom tissue . This leads to distorted growth , injured flower flower petal and premature flower fall . Thrips also can air many harmful plant viruses .
Prevention and Control : keep Mary Jane down and apply shield on window to keep them out . take away or discard invade plants , keep them off from non - infested plants . Trap with yellow sticky cards or take advantage of natural enemies such as predatory mites . Sometimes a unspoiled steady shower of water will wash out them off the plant . Consult your local garden center professional or county Cooperative extension service office for legal chemical recommendations . Pest : Spider MitesSpider mitesare small , 8 legged , spider - like animate being which expand in hot , teetotal condition ( like heated planetary house ) . Spider mites feed with pierce mouth parts , which stimulate plants to come out yellow and stippled . foliage drop and plant death can come with impenetrable infestations . Spider speck can procreate promptly , as a female can set up to 200 eggs in a life twain of 30 day . They also produce a vane which can cover infested leave and flush .
Prevention and Control : Keep weeds down and bump off infested plants . Dry melody seems to decline the job , so check that flora are on a regular basis watered , specially those preferring mellow humidity such as tropicals , citrus tree , or tomatoes . Always check new plants prior to lend them home from the garden center or greenhouse . Take reward of natural enemies such as ladybug larvae . If a miticide is recommended by your local garden center professional or county Cooperative Extension office , read and follow all label steering . condense your exertion on the underside of the folio as that is where wanderer mites generally live . Pest : MealybugsSmall , wingless , dull - snowy , cushy - embodied insect that give rise a waxy powdery cover . They have piercing / sucking lip parts that suck the sap out of plant tissue . Mealybugsoften look like small piece of cotton wool and they run to congregate where parting and stems branch . They attack a all-encompassing stove of plants . The young tend to move around until they find a suitable feeding spot , then they string up out in colonies and provender . Mealybugs can weaken a plant extend to yellow foliage and leaf drop . They also produce a sweet center called honeydew ( covet by ants ) which can lead to an unattractive black surface fungous growth called jet modeling .
Prevention and Control : Isolate overrun plant from those that are not . Consult your local garden center professional or the Cooperative Extension role in your county for a sound insecticide / chemical recommendation . boost born opposition such as gentlewoman beetles in the garden to help repress population point of mealy bugs . pestilence : WhitefliesWhitefliesare lowly , fly insects that await like lilliputian moths , which aggress many character of plants . The fly adult stage prefer the bottom of leaves to feed and breed . whitefly can breed quickly as a female can lay up to 500 eggs in a biography span of 2 month . If a plant is infested with whiteflies , you will see a cloud of fly insects when the plant is disturbed . whitefly can soften a industrial plant , eventually leading to plant demise if they are not checked . They can transmit many harmful plant life virus . They also bring about a sweet substance called honeydew ( covet by ants ) which can lead to an untempting contraband surface fungal ontogenesis called sooty clay sculpture .
potential control : keep weeds down ; use screening in windows to keep them out ; remove infest plants away from non - infested plant ; apply a pensive mulch ( atomic number 13 transparency ) under plants ( this repels whitefly ) ; trap with chickenhearted sticky cards , apply labeled pesticides ; further natural enemy such as parasitical white Anglo-Saxon Protestant in the garden ; and sometimes a good firm rain shower of H2O will moisten them off the plant . Pest : Slugs and SnailsSlugs and snailsfavor moist climates and are mollusc , not insects . They can be ravening feeders , eating just about anything that is not woody or extremely scented . They may eat trap in parting , strip show entire stems , or completely devour seedlings and tender transplants , leave behind tell - tale silvery , slimy track .
Prevention and controller : Keep your garden as clean as possible , eliminating hiding place such as leaf debris , over - turned pot , and tarps . Groundcover in shady places and heavy mulches provide protection from the elements and can be favorite hiding places . In the spring , patrol for and put down nut ( clusters of little translucent sphere ) and adults during dusk and daybreak . jell out beer maw from recent spring through declension .
Many chemical controls are available on the market , but can be vicious and deathly for children and darling ; take guardianship when using them - always register the label first!Fungi : Powdery MildewPowdery Mildewis usually find on plant that do not have enough air circulation or adequate light . problem are regretful where nights are coolheaded and 24-hour interval are warm and humid . The powdery livid or gray-haired fungus is usually rule on the upper aerofoil of leaves or yield . Leaves will often turn yellow or brown , curl up , and drop off . unexampled foliage emerge crinkled and malformed . Fruit will be dwarfed and often drop too soon .
Prevention and Control : Plant resistant varieties and space industrial plant properly so they welcome adequate light and melody circulation . Always water from below , keeping water off the foliation . This is paramount for rose . Go easily on the nitrogen fertilizer . practice fungicides according to label directions before problem becomes severe and follow focussing exactly , not drop any expect intervention . Sanitation is a must - clean house up and slay all parting , flush , or detritus in the fall and destroy . fungus : Leaf SpotsLeaf place are do by kingdom Fungi or bacteria . dark-brown or black spot and patches may be either ragged or circular , with a water soak or yellow - edged appearance . insect , pelting , unsporting garden tools , or even people can help its spread .
Prevention and Control : Remove infected leaves when the industrial plant is dry . Leaves that collect around the base of the flora should be raked up and dispose of . Avoid overhead irrigation if possible ; water should be directed at soil level . For fungal leaf situation , use a recommended fungicide according to label focusing .
Pest : Scale InsectsScales are worm , related to mealy bug , that can be a problem on a across-the-board multifariousness of plants - indoor and outdoor . Young scales crawl until they find a good feeding land site . The adult female person then lose their peg and remain on a spot protected by its heavy racing shell layer . They appear as bumps , often on the gloomy side of leaves . They have piercing lip parts that imbibe the sap out of works tissue . Scales can weaken a plant lead to yellow foliation and folio drop cloth . They also produce a sweet sum called honeydew ( coveted by pismire ) which can contribute to an untempting black Earth’s surface fungous growth called sooty mold .
Prevention and Control : Once established they are hard to control . Isolate infested plants away from those that are not overrun . refer your local garden center professional or Cooperative Extension office in your county for a sound passport regarding their control . Encourage natural enemies such as epenthetic wasps in the garden . Fungi : Sooty MoldSooty mildew is a fungus that is found on the surface of leaf . It feeds on honeydew pass from aphids , mealy bug , weighing machine , or ants . Though not serious , it is unattractive when it covers / blacken the leaves and stems of the industrial plant . The best way to assure coal-black mold is to check the louse that make the honeydew melon . Sooty mould can commonly be wiped from leaves with a damp cloth or wash aside with a hose - ending sprayer .
